By Tom Brennan
Today many churches are expressing their support for Israel and often receive notice in local newspapers and social media pages. Everything from videos, to local events and speakers, the number of these being picked up on the web is increasing. These congregations deserve encouragement and support. As Christians we are bound to affirm and support each other, and when the action supports Israel a double good work is done.
How can we say “thank you” to the churches that support Israel? Here are some ways. One good way to recruit supporters for Israel is to search for reports on news sites on the search engines you use. When you see a report of a program, speaker, event or other report of a group that has taken the step forward to openly state its support for Israel, go to their webpage, social media page or contact page and thank them. Like or share their page and ask others do so as well. Slowly a network will form and grow. Link these to other larger pro-Israel organizations and the chain will expand.
Most church organization webpages have a “contact” page and it is good to use this to send your message. Because most churches have an administrative assistant at the most, you may not get a reply quickly. Send a link to your own website or where you compliment or support message appears because you will most likely get a return. They also have YouTube pages, Facebook and Twitter and asking your membership to send personal messages of support will be a serious step in overwhelming the forces that are critical of Israel today. Social media is a numbers game and the quality and volume of comments and responses will count.
If the pastor or speaker is a local person, think about inviting that person to your church. If there’s a local print newspaper, a letter to the op-ed page would be good for everyone. Consider making a presentation or award if your church group does this annually. The binding and bonding of churches and groups that support Israel builds on “a cord of three strands is not easily broken”. Assembling as many networks of positive-minded, proactive faithful organizations that can support and defend Israel from media, anti-Semitic and hate groups anywhere and anytime will also connect these groups so as anti-Christian persecution grows no one can be isolated. The Epistles of the disciples kept the churches united as possible since the distances that separated them took months to cover. Just as the prophets reminded the Israelites of their obligations and failures before that time, modern communications help keep everyone stay motivated and informed. Sharing is now instantaneous. Responding to criticism and negativity is possible before it goes “viral”.
Remembering that Christian support for Israel is a Biblical imperative in many ways, it must always be done with a Christian attitude. Being careful about whom we support and which allies we choose will keep our faith at the forefront of chief influencers and mind-changers. There are many battles going on, on the front lines, in the Gaza tunnels and on computer and TV screens. We are ambassadors and soldiers alike. Israel is counting on us in this hour of peril and in the battles to come. Showing a world that hates Israel and Christians equally that we stand together in the presence of the Almighty makes us mutual witnesses to His promises and will deliver a message of strength and hope to those facing persecution.
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